I discovered The GiveWell Blog and accompanying web site this week. Although it appears to be targeted toward the upper crust of USA citizens - the founders are Ivy League grads and former hedge fund managers - the content is relevant to anyone seeking an opportunity to make a difference in the world (i.e. those of us who make up the soft, creamy filling underneath that tender crust).
If you are still of the opinion that philanthropy is only for big foundations and the super-rich like Bill Gates, check out this pie chart to the right. According to the folks at GiveWell, "individual donors give over 100 times as much as the Gates Foundation and over 6 times as much as all foundations combined."
GiveWell "believes that generosity and good intentions are nice - but not enough. Whether you want to help the homeless, fight disease, or do something we haven't covered yet, we believe you can accomplish a lot more good - and change a lot more lives - by finding the best possible charity in your area of interest. We exist to help you do just that."
The GiveWell website is a great resource for anyone with the inclination to make a difference in the world through philanthropic activity. It doesn't matter if you have $10 or $10,000 to give away... you need to base your giving decisions on good information to make sure your philanthropic investments have the greatest possible return.
Now take a look at that pie chart again. Look at the teeny tiny sliver that represents Bill Gates. Now look at the overwhelming majority that represents the rest of us. Imagine if each one of us decided to give away just one or two percent more this year than we did last. That's a lot of dough to make the philanthropic pie even bigger. And with the help of web sites like GiveWell, we could have a really powerful impact on the world.
One more thing. Good intentions aren't enough, I agree. But if you're only giving away money, you're leaving a lot on the table when it comes to the personal benefits of philanthropy. I'm talking about the self-serving, hedonistic pleasure that comes from seeing good things happen as a result of your efforts.
Invest your time in something you feel passionate about, do it regularly, and you'll see what I'm talking about.
Copyright © 2007 Richard M. Potter. All Rights Reserved.
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